Ex-ESPN star John Brenkus’ cause of death revealed after passing away last week at 54

Former ESPN host and best-selling author John Brenkus died from suicide, a medical examiner has confirmed.

TMZ said that the Virginia Department of Health, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed the tragic nature of the 54-year-old’s death last week.

When the Brenkus family announced the news of his passing on Sunday, they alluded to the nature of his death by saying he had been fighting depression.

The statement said: ‘It is with profound sadness that we share the news that John Brenkus has passed away.

‘John, co-founder of Base Productions, Founder of Brinx.TV, and co-creator and host of the six-time Emmy award-winning “Science,” had been battling depression.

‘John lost his fight with this terrible illness on May 31, 2025. His heartbroken family and friends request privacy at this time, and encourage anyone who is struggling with depression to seek help.’

Former ESPN personality and author John Brenkus died of suicide, it has been confirmed

News of his death at just 54 sparked an outpouring of grief from across the sports world

Back in January 2023, during an interview with ex-NFL player Marcellus Wiley, Brenkus opened up on his mental health struggles. ‘I fell into a very deep depression,’ he said.

‘I spiraled into a deep, deep depression and I was flat-out suicidal.’ Brenkus revealed that his dog saved his life.

‘(He) came to my rescue… and in my suicidal funk, I was like: “What am I doing?” I literally picked up my phone, called my mom and said: “There’s something wrong with me. I am mentally lost.”‘

Brenkus then detailed his ‘battle’ for ‘answers’ which involved seeing multiple different psychologists and psychiatrists.

Back in 2010, he wrote ‘The Perfection Point: Sport Science Predicts the Fastest Man, the Highest Jump, and the Limits of Athletic Performance’. 

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